Tommy Bird is seen fleshing a hide. (Submitted photo/Tommy Bird)

By Derek Cornet

new book

Northerners release guide on moose hide processing

Apr 16, 2024 | 3:22 PM

A new how-to guide for tanning moose hides will become an important source of knowledge for future generations.

That’s according to Tommy Bird of Southend, who developed Tanning Moosehides the Northern Saskatchewan Trapline Way alongside Lawrence and Lena Adam from Fond du Lac, as well as La Ronge’s Miriam Körner.

The 64-page guide includes step-by-step instructions with images on how to tan moose hides in a traditional way.

“I got my yard here in Southend on the middle of the reserve,” Bird explained.

“I set up where I work on moose hides. I have a big garage, I have a smoke house and a tumbler, moose racks. I have everything here, a place where we can smoke. I have a big set up on the reserve where we can do all of the work.”

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Bird noted himself and the Adams’ have been working together for years, adding Adams’ spent six months in Southend in 2023 tanning moose hides. Bird said there was a need to document the process for future generations and for those wanting to learn the tanning process on their own or in groups.

“Our times have changed. When I was a kid, we would walk through the village and you’d see people tanning moose on every corner of the reserve with the winter kill and fall kill,” Bird mentioned.

Lawrence Adam is seen softening a hide. (Submitted photo/Tommy Bird)

An image showing the cover of the new book. (Submitted photo/Miriam Körner)

“I’d see my parents do the moose hide on the trapline in the fall. That part of our people have changed. We have gone to the 9 to 5 fast paced working people. Our Indian people have changed, so now you don’t see those cultural keepers, those knowledge keepers. Either they got old or people do it in their spare time whenever they have a little bit of time. They are getting more far and in between.”

Bird stated Körner became involved because there was a need for a writer. He said she travelled to Southend in 2023 to begin work on the project.

“One day, someone mentioned her name and I gave her a call and said I would pay for her gas if she showed up here,” Bird said.

“There were so many details that we had to put together. It was supposed to be a home notebook that we would make a few copies and pass on to whoever, but it went further than that. When we finished the book, it was 64 pages. There are 20 to 25 steps with a lot of pictures.”

Bird went on to say there has been a lot of interest in the book since it has been released in recent weeks. He said copies have been sent across Saskatchewan, Alaska and even south of the Canada-United States border.

Those interested in purchasing a copy can reach out to Bird on Facebook or by calling him at 1-306-961-4315. Copies are also available in La Ronge at Tania’s Flowershop and Robertson Trading.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com